PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL

Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 2 / Issue 1 / 2012 / 34-53.

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e - ISSN - 2249-7722

Print ISSN - 2249-7730

International Journal of Phytotherapy

www.phytotherapyjournal.com

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL

INVESTIGATION OF WHOLE PLANT OF OXALIS CORNICULATA L

*K. Yalla Reddy and 1S. Mohana Lakshmi

*Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, Sana college of pharmacy, Kodad, Andhra Pradesh,-508 206, India.

1Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy,

Sree Vidyanikethan College of Pharmacy,

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh - 517102, India.

INTRODUCTION

Herbs show a number of problems in when

quality aspect is considered. This is because of nature of

the herbal ingredients & different secondary metabolites

present therein. It is also due to variation in the chemical

profile of herbs due to intrinsic & extrinsic factors like

growth, harvesting, geographical source, storage & drying

etc [1]. Majority of the crude drugs come from wild

sources and it is collected by poor, illiterate tribal without

any attention to botanical identification and

authentication. According to WHO, the macroscopic,

microscopic and physiochemical parameters of a

medicinal plant is the first step towards establishing the

identity and the degree of purity of such materials [2].

Pharmacognostical parameters for easy

identification like macroscopical evaluation,

microscopical evaluation & physico chemical analyses are

few of the basic protocol for standardization of herbals.

Morphological or organoleptic evaluation of drugs by

color, odour, taste, size, shape, and special characters like

touch and texture, etc. It is a technique of qualitative

evaluation based on whole drugs [3]. Organoleptic

evaluation studies resulted due to impressions on organs

of senses. Microscopical evaluation of the plant drugs

helps to identify the organized drugs by their known

histological characters and used to confirm the structural

details of the drugs from plant origin. Physiochemical

evaluation of crude drug involves the determination of the

identity, purity and quality. Purity depends upon the

absence of foreign matter, whether organic or inorganic

While quality refers essentially to the concentration of the

active constituents in the drug that makes it valuable to

medicine.

Corresponding Author:- K. Yella Reddy Email:- [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Pharmacognostical standardization of natural products is a complex task due to their heterogeneous

composition, which is true for, any plant part or extracts obtained thereof. To ensure reproducible quality of herbal

products, authentication of the starting material is essential. Phytochemical and Pharmacognostic investigation was

carried out on the whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L. The assignment such as macroscopy, anatomical studies and

preliminary phytochemical screening were performed since the species was not noted for its pharmacognosy in part.

Macroscopic studies is a technique of qualitative evaluation based on the study of morphological and sensory profiles

of whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L. Microscopic studies is a technique of qualitative evaluation and used to

confirm the structural details of drugs from the whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L. and also study of the

phytoconstituents by application of chemical methods. The perusal of literature also revealed that no

pharmacognostic work had been carried out on the whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L. For this reason we have

investigated the Phytochemical and pharmacognostic profiles of whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L.

Keywords: Oxalis corniculata L., Phytochemical Screening, Pharmacognostic Studies.


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The pharmacognostical studies of the plant drugs

focused on bringing the out diagnostic characters will be

immense help in the proper identification and

standardization of different botanical species of the plant

origin. The pharmacognostical parameters are major and

reliable criteria for confirmation of the identity and

determination of quality and purity of the crude drugs [4].

Which play a major role to establish the particular

standards and helps to minimize the adulteration during

the collection of plant species.

COLLECTION AND AUTHENTICATION OF THE

PLANT

The whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L. was

collected from Talakona forest, Chittoor dist of Andhra

Pradesh, India, during September 2009. The plant was

authenticated by Prof. P. Jayaraman, Director of National

Institute of Herbal Science, W.Tambaram Chennai. The

voucher specimen (PARC/2009/343) of the plant was

deposited at the college for further reference.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Macroscopic characters of the Oxalis corniculata L.

Macroscopic characters of the plant Oxalis

corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae) was studied directly in the

field, and photographed under original environment.

Microscopical evaluation of Oxalis Corniculata L. Microscopical examination of the plant drugs is

essential to study the adulterants also indispensable in

identification. The microscopical evaluation of powder of

Oxalis corniculata L. shows the characters as below

ANATOMICAL STUDIES

Preparation of specimens

The plant specimens for the study were collected

from Talakona forest, Chittoor dist, care was taken to

select healthy plants and normal organs. The required

samples of different organs were cut and removed from

the plant and fixed in FAA (Formalin-5ml+acetic acid -

5ml+70% ethyl alcohol-90ml). After 24 hours of fixing,

the specimens were dehydrated with graded series of

tertiary butyl alcohol as per the schedule given by Sass,

1940. In filtrations of the specimens were carried by

gradual addition of paraffin wax (melting point 58-60c)

until TBA solution attained super saturation. The

specimens were cast into paraffin blocks.

Sectioning

The paraffin embedded specimens were

sectioned with the help of Rotary microtome. The

thickness of the sections was 10-12. De waxing of the

sections was by customary procedure [5]. The sections

were stained with Toludine blue as per method published

by OBrien et al., 1964) [6]. Since Toludine blue is polychromatic stain, the staining results were remarkably

good; and some cytochemical reactions were also

obtained. The dye rendered pink color to the cellulose

walls, blue to the lignified cells, dark green to suberin,

violet to the mucilage, blue to the protein bodies etc.

Wherever necessary sections were also stained with

safranin and Fast-green and IKI for starch [5].

For studying the stomatal morphology venation

pattern and trichome distribution, paradermal sections

(sections taken parallel to the surface of the leaf) as well

as clearing of leaf with 5% Sodium hydroxide or

epidermal peeling by partial maceration employing

Jeffreys maceration fluid [7] were prepared. Glycine mounted temporary preparations were made for

macerated/cleared macerations. Powdered materials of the

different parts were cleared with NaOH and mounted in

glycerine medium after staining different cell component

were studied and measured.

Photomicrography

Microscopic descriptions of tissues are

supplemented with micrograph, wherever necessary

photographs of different magnifications were taken with

NIKON lab photo 2 microscopic units. For normal

observations bright field was used. For the study of

crystals, starch grains and lignified cells, polarized light

was employed. Since these structures have birefrigerant

property, under polarized light they appear bright against

dark background. Magnifications of the figures are

indicated by the scale-bars. Descriptive terms of the

anatomical features are as given in the standard anatomy

books [8].

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS

The evaluation of a crude drug involves the

determination of identity, purity and quality. Purity

depends upon the absence of foreign matter whether

organic or inorganic, while quality refers essentially to the

concentration of the active constituents in the drug that

makes it valuable to medicine. The following

physicochemical parameters were evaluated to obtain the

qualitative information about the purity and quality of

Oxalis corniculata L.

Ash value aids in the determination of quality of

crude drug in powder form. The ash content of a crude

drug is generally considered as a residue remaining after

maceration. Ash contains inorganic salts like phosphates,

carbonates and silicates of sodium, potassium,

magnesium, calcium are adhere to it or may also be added

to for the purpose of adulteration. There is a considerable

difference (varieties with narrow limits) in the case of

same individual drug. Hence ash determination furnishes

a basis for judging the identity and quality of the drug

gives information to its adulteration with inorganic

matter. Ash standards have been established for a number

of the drug in the pharmacopoeias [9].


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ASH VALUES

Total ash Heat a silica or platinum crucible to red heat for

30 min, Allow to cool in desiccator and weigh. Weigh

accurately about 1gm of the substance being examined

and evenly distributed in the crucible. Dry at 100c to

105c for one hour and ignite to constant weight in the

muffle furnace at 600 25c. Allow the crucible to cool

in desiccator after each ignition. The material should not

catch fire at any time drying the procedure. If after

prolonged ignition a carbon free ash cannot be obtained,

exhaust the charred mass with hot water. Collect the

residue on an ash less filter paper, incinerate the residue

and filter paper until ash becomes white or nearly so.

Calculate the percentage of the drug with reference to air

dried drug.

Water-insoluble ash The total ash is boiled with 25ml water and

filtered through the ash less filter paper (whatman-41). It

is followed by washing with hot water. The filter paper is

ignited in the silica crucible, Cooled and the water

insoluble matter was weighed. The water soluble ash is

calculated by subtracting the water insoluble matter from

the total ash.

Acid-insoluble ash

The total ash obtained is boiled for five minutes

with 25ml of 2M hydrochloric acid and filtered through

an ash less filter paper. The filter paper is ignited in the

silica crucible, Cooled and then acid insoluble ash is

weighed.

EXTRACTIVE VALUES

Extraction values are useful for determination of

crude drugs and it gives an idea about the nature of the

chemical constituents present. The solvent used for the

extraction should be in position to dissolve the quantities

of desired substances.

Alcohol soluble extractives

About 5g of the powder is macerated with 100ml

of the specified strength in a closed flask for 24 hours.

Shake frequently during first 6hrs and allow it for

standing to 18 hrs. It is filtered rapidly taking precautions

against loss of alcohol and 25ml of the filtrate is

evaporated to dryness in a tarred flat bottomed shallow

dish. Dried at 105c and weighed. The percentage of

alcohol soluble extractive is calculated with reference to

the air dried powder.

Water soluble extractives

About 5 g of the powder drug is macerated with

100 ml of distilled water in a closed flask for 24hrs. Shake

frequently during 6 hrs and allow the same for standing

for 18 hrs. It is filtered rapidly and 25 ml of the filtrate is

evaporated to dryness in a tarred flat bottomed shallow

dish, dried at 105C and weighed. The percentage of

water soluble extractive is calculated with reference to the

air dried powder.

Chloroform soluble extractives

About 5 g of the powder drug is macerated with 100 ml of

chloroform in a closed flask for 24hrs. Shake frequently

during 6 hrs and allow the same for standing for 18 hrs. It

is filtered rapidly and 25 ml of the filtrate is evaporated to

dryness in a tarred flat bottomed shallow dish, dried at

105C and weighed. The percentage of chloroform

soluble extractive is calculated with reference to the air

dried powder.

Extraction

The commonly employed technique for

separation of active substance from crude drug is called

Extraction which involves the use of different solvents. The plant material used for extraction should be properly

authenticated or identified. The choice of the plant

material for extraction depends on its nature and the

components required being isolated. The dried powdered

plant material is commonly used for extraction. The fresh

plant parts when used are homogenized or macerated with

a solvent such as alcohol. It is general solvent for many

potential constituents and as such may give problem in

subsequent elimination of pigments, resins, etc.

Water immiscible solvent, such as light

petroleum is used for the extraction of fixed and essential

oils, steroids and aglycones. Chloroform and ether are

used for the separation of alkaloids and quinines. The

extraction of organic bases like alkaloids usually

necessitates basification of plant material if a water

immiscible solvent is to be used, whereas aromatic acids

and phenols, acidification may be required. The

glycosides are soluble in water and alcohol, but are

insoluble in non-polar solvents. Tannins are phenolic

matter soluble in water, alcohol and ethyl acetate.

Extraction itself may be performed by repeated

maceration with agitation, percolation or by continuous

extraction using soxhlet extractor.

The general approach for extraction of different

constituents from fresh plant may be briefly described in

the following chart.

The extract may contain, along with actually

desired compound, some other substances such as

chlorophyll or other kinds of pigments, inorganic and

organic acids, resins, fatty substances, etc. Depending

upon the type of impurities present the method of

purification varies, but, substances, etc. by and large,

separation of constituents by partitioning between two

immiscible solvents in which the compound, dissolves


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preferentially or precipitation of either the desired

medicinal product or impurity by a certain reagent, are

quite widely used. Such partially purified extract may

still contain very closely related constituents in traces.

This necessitates further purification of extract, which is

done by various means such as sublimation, distillation,

fractional crystallization, fractional liberation, etc.

PROCESS OF EXTRACTION Plant material: Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae)

whole plant were collected, washed, cleaned, dried in

shade, and pulverized in a grinder-mixer to obtain a

coarse powder and then passed through a 40- mesh

sieve.

Apparatus: Test tubes, Test tube holder, Test tube stand,

Glass rods, Spatula, Burners, Measuring cylinder, Digital

weighing balance, Grinder mixer, Sieve no. 40, Soxhlet

apparatus, Heating mantle.

Solvents: Petroleum ether, Chloroform, Ethanol,

Methanol, Ethyl acetate, Water, etc.

Chemicals: Alcohol, Alpha napthol, Conc.H2SO4, Ferric

chloride, 5% HgCl2 solution, 5% Lead acetate solution,

Acetic acid solution, Potassium dichromate, 95% Ethanol,

Magnesium turnings, Tannic acid, 1% Copper sulphate,

Sodium nitroprusside, 10% NH4OH, Iodine solution, 5%

Ammonium sulphate, 5% NaOH, Nitric acid, Acetic

anhydride, Picric acid, etc

Reagents: Millons reagent, Barfoeds reagent, Ninhydin reagent, Mayers reagent, Dragendorffs reagent, Wagners reagent, Hagers reagent, Fehlings solution A & B, Benedicts reagent, etc. About 1000 gm of powdered drug was

successively extracted with methanol, by using soxhlet

apparatus. The extraction was carried out until the extract

becomes colorless. The solvent is removed from extract

by distillation under reduced pressure. The concentrated

extract were kept in a desiccator and used for further

experiment.

Qualitative Phytochemical Examination

The extracts are subjected to qualitative tests for

the various plant constituents such as alkaloids,

carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosterols, fixed oils and

fats, saponins, phenolic compounds and tannins, proteins

and amino acids, gums and mucilage, flavonoids, etc [10-

13].

TEST FOR ALKALOIDS

A small portion of the solvent free petroleum

ether, alcohol, extracts were stirred separately with few

drops of dilute hydrochloric acid and filtered. The filtrate

was tested with various reagents for the presence of

alkaloids.

Mayers reagent : Formation of Cream colored precipitate.

Dragendroffs reagent : Formation of Orange-brown colored precipitate.

Wagners reagent : Formation of Reddish brown precipitate.

Hagers reagent : Formation of Yellow colored precipitate.

TEST FOR CARBOHYDRATES

A small quantity of extract was dissolved

separately in distilled water and filtered. The filtrate was

subjected to Molisch test for detecting carbohydrates.

Molisch test: Filtrate was treated with 2-3 drops of alcoholic

-napthol solution and 2ml of concentrated sulfuric acid was added along the sides of test tubes. Appearance of

brown ring at the junction of two liquids indicates the

presence of carbohydrates.

TEST FOR GLYCOSIDES

A portion of the extract was hydrolyzed with

hydrochloric acid for few hours on a water bath and the

hydrolysate was subjected to Legals and Borntragers test to detect the presence of different glycosides.

Legals test: To the hydrolysate 1ml of pyridine and few drops of sodium nitroprusside solution were added

and it was made alkaline with sodium hydroxide.

Appearance of pink to red color indicates the presence of

glycosides.

Borntragers test: Hydrolysate was treated with chloroform and then the chloroform layer was separated.

To this equal quantity of dilute ammonia solution was

added, ammonical layer acquires pink color indicates the

presence of glycosides.

TEST FOR PHYTOSTEROLS

The extract was refluxed with solution of alcoholic

potassium hydroxide till complete saponification had

taken place. The mixture was diluted and extracted with

ether. The ether layer was evaporated and the residue was

tested for the phytosterols.

Liebermann Burchard test: The residue was dissolved in few drops of dilute acetic acid, 3ml of acetic

anhydride and followed by few drops of concentrated

sulfuric acid. Appearance of bluish green color indicates

the presence of phytosterols.

TEST FOR FIXED OILS AND FATS

Spot test: Small quantities of various extracts were separately pressed between two filter papers. Appearance

of stain on the paper indicates the presence of fixed oil.


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Few drops of 0.5N alcoholic potassium

hydroxide were added to small quantity of various

extracts along with a drop of phenolphthalein. The

mixture was heated on water bath for 1-2 hours.

Formation of soap or partial neutralization of alkali

indicates the presence of fixed oils and fats.

TEST FOR SAPONINS

The extract was diluted with 20ml of distilled

water and it was agitated in a graduated cylinder for

15mins. The formation of 1cm layer of foam shows the

presence of saponins.

TEST FOR PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND

TANNINS

Small quantities of the extracts were taken

separately in water and test for the presence of Phenolic

compounds and tannins was carried out with the

following reagents.

Dilute Ferric chloride solution (5%) Formation of violet color.

1% solution of gelatin containing 10% sodium chloride-Formation of white ppt.

10% Lead acetate solution Formation white precipitate.

TEST FOR PROTEINS AND AMINO ACIDS

Small quantities of the extract was dissolved in

water and treated with the following reagents.

Biuret test: An equal volume of 5% sodium hydroxide and 1% copper sulphate solution was added appearance of pink or purple color indicates the presence

of free amino acids or proteins.

Millons test: appearance of red color indicates the presence of protein and free amino acid.

TEST FOR GUMS AND MUCILAGE

Small quantities of the extract were added

separately to 25ml of absolute alcohol with constant

stirring and filtered. The precipitate was dried in air and

examined for its swelling properties for the presence of

gums and mucilage.

TEST FOR FLAVONOIDS

Extracts were taken with aqueous sodium

hydroxide solution blue to violet color (anthocyanins) yellow color (flavones), yellow to orange (flavones).

With concentrated sulfuric acid yellow to orange color (anthocyanins) yellow to orange (flavones),

orange to crimson (flavones).

Shinodas test: Small quantities of the extracts were individually dissolved in alcohol, to them piece of

magnesium followed by concentrated hydrochloric acid

drop wise added and heated. Appearance of magenta color indicates the presence of flavonoids.

RESULTS

MACROSCOPIC CHARACTERS OF THE OXALIS

CORNICULATA L.

Color : Leaves - yellowish green

Flowers- yellow color

Odour : Slight and Characteristic

Taste : Sore and Astringent

Size : Fruit capsule: 1 to 2 cm long

Seeds: 1mm

SHAPE Leaves : Digitately 3- foliate, leaflets, obcordate,

chartaceous, pilose base cuneate, margin entire, apex,

emarginiate.

Floweres: Pseudoumbels, axiallary, 1-6flowered, bracts

two, linear, bracteole, Sepals, five lanceolate, petals

oblanceolate apex, emarginate

Fruit : Capsule, oblong, abruptly tapering above,

puberulous.

Seeds : Numerous per locule, ovoid transversly ridged.

MICROSCOPICAL EVALUATION OF OXALIS

CORNICULATA L.

Anatomy of the leaf

Microscopic features

1. Leaflet

The leaflet is thin with less prominent and lateral

veins (fig 4.1,2, 3). The mid rib is shallow concave on the

adaxial side and slightly projecting on the abaxial side

(fig: 4.2). The mid rib is about 200m thick. The adaxial

epidermis in the midrib portion consists of much dilated

circular, thin walled cells are 70m in height. The abaxial

epidermal cells are also dilated and thin walled. The

vascular strand consists of a cluster of narrow, angular

thin walled. Xylem elements are 8m wide. These are of

phloem elements occurs on the lower end of the xylem

strand (fig: 4.2, 3), the palisade tissue is transcurrent

across the vascular bundle and beneath the adaxial

epidermis (fig; 4.3).

Anatomy of the lamina

T.S of the lamina

Lamina

The leaf blade is thin, dorsiventral with thick

epidermal layers. The lamina part is about 100m wide.

Both adaxial and abaxial epidermal layers are quite wide

and have large, thin walled circular cells, measuring

25m in thickness. The mesophyll tissue consists of a

narrow adaxial zone of short, then cylindrical palisade

cells and the four layers of small, lobed spongy

parenchyma cells.

T.S of the leaf margin

The leaf margin is slightly narrow leaflet and

posses circular thin walled cells. They are 25m in


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diameter the mesophyll tissues are as in the middle

portion of the lamina (Fig: 5.2).

Epidermal morphology

Epidermal cells and stomata

The epidermal cells are thin walled; their anticlerical

walls are highly wavy, so that the cells appear amoeboid

in outline. Stomata occur only the lower epidermis (fig:

6.1, 2) and they are absent on the upper epidermis (fig:

6.3).

Abaxial epidermis with stomata

The stomata do not possess distinct subsidiary

cells. The guard cells are elliptical with slit like stomatal

pores (fig: 6.2).

Adaxial epidermis

The guard cells are 1520m in size. The

adaxial epidermal cells are similar to the abaxial cells in

shape and size; but it is apostomatic (without stomata)

(fig: 6.3).

Paradermal section showing venation pattern and

crystal distribution

Venation pattern

The lateral veins and vein islets are uniformly

thin comprising of one or two spiral xylem elements, the

veins are straight. They form wide, rectangular on many

sided vein islets; the vein islets have well defined vein

terminations. Which are long, slender unbranched or

branched once or twice (fig: 7.2; 8.3).

Crystals in the mesophyll tissue

Crystals

Calcium oxalate crystals are frequently seen in

the mesophyll tissue. The crystals are mostly druses or

sphere crystals. They are diffuse in distribution and are

located in ordinary mesophyll cells. The crystals are up to

20m wide.

Powder microscopy of the whole plant

2. Leaf powder

Leaf powder are seen fragments lamina, with

venation and trichomes (fig: 9.1, 2), isolated trichomes

(fig: 10.1) and epidermal peeling fragments of lamina

show epidermal trichomes along the leaf margin, as well

as on the lamina surface (fig: 9.1, 2).

Non-glandular covering trichome in the leaf powder

The trichomes are non-glandular type covering

trichomes; they are unicellular, unbranched and pointed at

the tip. They are mostly curved and wavy. Their walls are

fairly thick and smooth. They are up to 300m long and

20m thick. Epidermal peeling in the powder exhibit thin

walled lobed cells. The stomata are anomocytic type (fig:

10.3).

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS

The various physiochemical parameters of whole

plant Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae) was evaluated

and the values are tabulated in table 1.

The percentage yield of various extracts of the

whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae)

were presented in the Table 2. The methanol extract gives

the high percentage yield and it was found to be 24.94%

w/w.

Qualitative phytochemical examination

Preliminary phytochemical screening of Oxalis

corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae) was carried out with

different extracts and data represented in table.3.

Table 1. Physicochemical parameters of Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae) extract

S. No. Parameters % W/W

1.

Ash values

a) Total ash

b) Acid insoluble ash

c) Water insoluble ash

39

9

16

2.

Extractive values

a) Alcohol soluble extractive

b) Water soluble extractive

c) Chloroform soluble extractive

16.8

9.6

8

Table 2. Percentage yield of Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae)

Plant name Part used % yield of extractive (%w/w)

Oxalis corniculta L. Whole plant Methanol Ethanol Pet. ether Water

24.94 8.3 12.34 10.4


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Table 3. Phytochemical screening of the extracts of Oxalis corniculta L.

Tests Pet. ether Ethanol Methanol Water

Alkaloids

Carbohydrates + + +

Glycosides + +

Phytosterols

Fixed Oils & fats + +

Saponins + + +

Phenolic compounds & Tannins + + +

Proteins & Amino acids

Gums & mucilage + + + +

Flavonoids + + +

"+" = Indicates Positive Results

"" = Indicates Negative Results

Figure 1. Extraction of different Phyto constituents from fresh plant


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Figure 2. Soxhlet extractor

Figure 3. Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae) whole plant


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Fig. 3.1: Seedlings

Fig. 3.2: Leaves

Fig. 3.3: Roots

Fig. 3.4: Flower

Fig. 3.5: Fruits

Fig. 3.6: Stems

Figure 4.1. T.S of through midrib with lamina

[AdS adaxial side; MR Midrib; La Lamina]


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Figure 4.2.T.S of midrib with lamina enlarged

[AdE-adaxial epidermis; Ph-Pholem; X-Xylem]

Figure 4.3.T.S of midrib with lamina enlarged

[AbE-Abaxial epidermis; AdE-Adaxial epidermis, MR-Midrib; PM-Palisade mesophyll; Ph-Phloem; X-Xylem]


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Figure 5.1. T.S of the lamina

[AbE-Abaxial epidermis; AdE-Adaxial epidermis; PM-Plaisade mesophyll; SM-spongy mesophyll]

Figure 5.2. T.S of the leaf margin

[Ec-epiderma cells; LM-Leaf margin; PM-Palisade mesophyll; SM-spongy mesophyll]


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Figure 6.1. Abaxial epidermis with stomata

[Ec-Epidermal cells; St-Stomata]

Figure 6.2. Adaxial epidermis with stomata

[Ec-Epidermal cells; St-Stomata]


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Figure 6.3. Adaxial epidermis

[Ec-Epidermal cells]

Figure 7.1. vein islets and vein termination

[VI-vein islets; VT-Vein termination]


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Figure 7.2. Vein islets and vein termination

[VI-vein islets]

Figure 7.3. Crystals in the mesophyll tissue

[Cr-Crystal]


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VENATION PATTERN

Figure 8.1. Cleared leaf showing vein islets and vein termination

Figure 8.2. Cleared leaf showing vein islets and vein termination enlarged



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Figure 8.3. One vein islets and vein termination enlarged


Figure 9.1. Fragment of adaxial epidermis cells with covering trichome

[LM-Leaf margin, Tr-Trichome]


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Figure 9.2. A covering trichome enlarged

[Tr-Trichome]

Figure 10.1.Non-glandular covering trichome in the leaf powder

[Tr-Trichome]


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Figure 10.2. A trichome enlarged [Tr-Trichome]

Figure 10.3. Abaxial epidermis with stomata


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DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The pharmacognostical studies of Oxalis

corniculata L.(Oxalidaceae) was performed. In

macroscopic studies, it is observed that the leaves are

green and flowers are yellow color, pseudo umbels,

axially, 1-6 flowered bracts two, linear, bracteole, sepals

five lanceolate, petals are oblongata in nature apex and

emarginated. Leaves are 3-foliate, leaflets obcordate,

Chartaceous, pilose base cunate, margin entire. In this

plant fruits are capsule in nature, oblong, abrupty tapering

above; puberulous seeds are numerous per locule, ovoid

transversely.

In microscopical studies it is observed that in

plant, the midrib portion is shallow concave on the

adaxial side and slightly projecting on the abaxial side

(Fig: 4.2). The midrib portion 200m thick, adaxial

epidermis is much dilated, thin walled cells are 70m in

height. In this vascular strand cluster of narrow, angular

thin walled. The xylem portion is upper and below the

phloem in the (Fig: 4.3).

In transverse section of the lamina, the lamina

part is about 100m wide. Both adaxial and abaxial

epidermal layers are wide, large, thin walled circular

cells, measuring 25m in thickness. The leaf margin is

slightly narrow leaflet and posses thin walled cells are 25m in diameter.

In the epidermal morphology the epidermal cells

are thin walled, highly wavy, the cells are appearing like

amoeboid in nature. Stomata occur only in lower

epidermis (Fig: 6.2). In the stomata guard cells are

elliptical with slit like stomatal pores. The guard cells are

15x20m in size (Fig: 6.2).

In the venation pattern of Oxalis corniculata L.

the lateral veins and vein islets are uniformly thin and

comprising one or two spiral xylem elements, the vein

islets having vein terminations (Fig : 8.2). Which are long

slender, unbranched or branched. In the whole plant

calcium oxalate crystals are present in the mesophyll

tissue and crystals are druses or sphaero crystals crystals

are up to 20m wide.

The powder microscopical studies of the plant

shows fragments of lamina, venation, and trichomes.

Trichomes are non-glandular, covering trichomes,

unicellular, unbranched, and pointed on the tip; these are

up to 300m long and 20m thick.

Physicochemical properties are an important

parameter in detecting adulteration on improper handling

of the drug. In the evaluation of crude drug, ash values,

extractive values are important parameters. The

estimation of ash value is useful for detecting low-grade

products, exhausted drugs and excess of sandy matter.

The determination of extractive values with a range of

solvents gives information about extractable non-polar

and polar as well as total extractable plant constituents.

CONCLUSION The pharmacognostical studies of the plant were

carried out with a focus on bringing out diagnostic

characters will be of immense help in the proper

identification and standardization of botanical species of

the plant drugs. Which play a major role to establish the

particular standards and helps to minimize the

adulteration of the plant Oxalis corniculata L. The

methanol extract shows the presence of constituents such

as carbohydrates, glycosides saponins, tannins, gums and

mucilage and flavonoids. The methanol extract gives high

percentage of yield. Hence we can select this methanol

extract for pharmacological evaluation.

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12. Sama V, Reddy YSR, Ramesh M, Swamy MM, Mahadevan N, Suresh B. Pharmacognostical Studies on Dodonaea viscosa leaves. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2 (4), 2008, 83-88.

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